What does it take to build a writing community with over 6,000 subscribers and that coveted verified checkmark on Substack?

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Jessica Smock, co-editor of Mid Story Magazine and co-founder of the Her Stories Project, to find out exactly how she and her partner built their thriving community for midlife women writers.

The Power of Long-Term Community Building

Jessica's success didn't happen overnight. She and her co-editor Steph Sprenger have been building their writing community since 2012, long before Substack existed. What started as two "mommy bloggers" reading the same book about female friendship evolved into a multi-platform business that now serves hundreds of midlife women writers.

The key takeaway? Community building is a marathon, not a sprint. When they moved to Substack, they already had an established email list and network of writers to bring with them.

Finding Your Niche and Sticking to It

Mid Story Magazine has a laser-focused mission: supporting midlife women's stories. This specificity has been crucial to their success. As Jessica explained,

"We have a very small niche, and Substack is really good for niches. It's so much more of a direct way to find a readership."

Their clear value proposition—"a publication for and by midlife women"—gave people something concrete to support, even before they offered specific perks to paid subscribers.

Multiple Revenue Streams

What impressed me most was how Jessica and Stephanie have diversified their income:

* Paid workshops and classes (their main income source)

* Membership community ($39/month on the Circle platform)

* Published anthologies (five so far!)

* Writing coaching

* Paid submissions (they always pay their writers)

They use a combination of platforms: Kajabi for courses, Circle for community (after finding Kajabi's community features too glitchy), and Substack for content and discovery.

The Pain Points They Solve

Through surveys and constant communication with their audience, Jessica identified the #1 struggle for their community: finding time to write consistently. This insight shapes everything they offer, from co-working sessions to accountability groups.

Understanding your audience's real pain points, not what you think they need, is crucial for building something people actually want to pay for.

📘 New Release: Karma Unleashed: After five years in the making, my second novel Karma Unleashed is finally here. A supernatural thriller set between the Middle East and the American suburbs, Karma Unleashed explores immigration, identity, and mystical visions that won't be ignored.Grab your copy here.

Marketing That Works

Jessica shared some fascinating insights about what's driven their growth:

* Anthology submissions brought in the most long-term growth

* Contributor marketing (writers sharing their published pieces)

* Substack discovery is now their main source of new subscribers

* Clear mission that people wanted to support

The Substack Advantage

What struck me was how much Jessica loves Substack for community building.

"It helps us find our people so much better," she said. Before Substack, they relied heavily on Facebook for discovery, but Substack's algorithm seems particularly good at connecting niche communities with their ideal readers.

Practical Takeaways for Your Own Community

* Start before you're ready - Jessica and Stephanie began with a simple idea about female friendship stories

* Be specific about who you serve - "Midlife women writers" is much more powerful than "writers"

* Always pay your contributors - This builds loyalty and quality

* Survey your audience regularly - Let their pain points guide your offerings

* Consider partnerships - Having a co-founder helped them balance different strengths

* Diversify your platforms - Don't put all your eggs in one basket

A Personal Note

One thing that really resonated with me was Jessica's authenticity about the challenges. Building a community isn't always glamorous; it requires consistent effort, genuine care for your audience, and sometimes stepping back during busy seasons (like summer schedules and travel).

But the rewards are clear: a sustainable business built around supporting other writers, meaningful connections, and the satisfaction of seeing your community members succeed.

📘 New Release: Karma Unleashed: After five years in the making, my second novel Karma Unleashed is finally here. A supernatural thriller set between the Middle East and the American suburbs, Karma Unleashed explores immigration, identity, and mystical visions that won't be ignored.Grab your copy here.

Read and Write with Natasha is a reader-supported publication. If you enjoy my work and want to support it, consider becoming a paid subscriber. As a thank-you, you’ll get access to two of my self-led courses—valued at over $300

Get full access to Read and Write with Natasha at natashatynes.substack.com/subscribe

This post is based on my recent Substack Live conversation with book marketing coach and bestselling author Fleur Hull, who has helped nearly 100 authors successfully launch their books.

As authors, we often think the hardest part is writing the book. But as Fleur Hull, a bestselling author with over 25 years of marketing experience, revealed in our live conversation, the real challenge begins after you type "The End."

Fleur's journey into book marketing started during the pandemic when she lost her marketing job and decided to write her first book with a friend. That book became an Amazon bestseller in the career category, launching her into a new career helping other authors navigate the complex world of book promotion.

The Revolutionary Approach: Marketing First, Writing Second

Here's Fleur's game-changing advice that turns conventional wisdom on its head:

"Start with the marketing first before you write even one word of your book."

This means:

* Identifying your target reader before you start writing

* Understanding what your audience expects from your genre

* Building your email list and audience throughout the writing process

* Creating your marketing plan before your manuscript

As Fleur puts it,

"Planning that upfront is the best way to make sure that you have some success when you finally launch rather than writing the book and then realizing when you're about to hit publish... you haven't built an audience."

For Time-Strapped Authors: Where to Focus Your Energy

When I asked Fleur about the biggest priority for busy authors juggling full-time jobs and family responsibilities, her answer was clear: Substack.

"I think Substack is the best place to be for an author... building your email list is so critical because they're the people that follow your journey. They're the audience that you own."

Why Substack Works for Authors

Fleur is very bullish on Substack because it allows authors to:

* Build an owned audience (not dependent on social media algorithms)

* Test their writing with excerpts and samples

* Bring readers along their author journey

* Connect authentically with potential book buyers

* Create long-form content that showcases their craft

The Power of Going Live: Why Video Changes Everything

One revelation from our conversation was the impact of video content. I shared how seeing James Patterson on Substack Live completely changed my perception of him as an author—it made me want to give his books another chance.

Fleur agreed: "Seeing an author live, I think in this day and age of AI, seeing a real human talking and showing that they've... what's inspired them to write the book, what they're interested to hear from readers about. I think that's a really human and very powerful way for authors to connect."

The takeaway: Don't hide behind your writing. Show your face, share your personality, and let readers connect with you as a person.

Growing on Substack: The Author's Blueprint

For authors just starting on Substack, Fleur recommends:

* Find other authors and engage with them in comments and notes

* Start early in your book-writing journey. Don't wait until publication

* Be patient—growth is a "slow grind" with peaks and valleys

* Share your process—readers love behind-the-scenes content about your writing journey

* Use both long-form posts and short notes to stay connected with your audience

The Reality Check: Why Books Launch to Crickets

One of the most sobering moments in our conversation was when Fleur mentioned the constant stream of posts on Reddit's self-publishing forum from authors saying, "I launched my book last week and I haven't had any sales."

The harsh reality? 70,000 books are published on Amazon every week.

As Fleur asks: "How do you stand out?... How is your perfect reader going to be drawn to your book above the bestsellers, above the famous authors? Why are they going to take a shot at a new author that they've never heard of?"

What Actually Moves the Needle

From Fleur's experience with Amazon bestsellers, the most effective strategies include:

* Your existing network and audience (like podcast listeners for her first book)

* Strategic Amazon and Facebook advertising (though these require expertise and careful monitoring)

* BookBub promotions (competitive but powerful when secured)

* Authentic audience building rather than relying on friends and family purchases

The AI Challenge for Writers

An interesting side note: Fleur mentioned that AI has impacted her ghostwriting business, particularly for business writing. Clients now question paying for content they feel AI could produce. However, memoir ghostwriting remains AI-resistant because it requires human interviewing skills and personal connection.

Fleur's Innovative Substack Strategy

Here's a brilliant monetization strategy worth noting: Fleur offers a customized 6-10 page book marketing plan as part of her annual Substack subscription ($60 US). This creates immediate value for subscribers while generating leads for her coaching business.

Key Takeaways for Authors

* Start marketing before you start writing

* Build your email list early and consistently

* Use Substack as your primary platform for audience building

* Don't be afraid to show your face and personality

* Understand your target reader deeply before you write

* Be prepared for the long game as success rarely happens overnight

Final Thoughts

The most powerful insight from my conversation with Fleur was this shift in mindset: thinking of yourself as a "marketing-first author" rather than someone who reluctantly promotes their work after the fact.

As uncomfortable as it might feel to put on that "business hat," the authors who succeed are those who embrace both the creative and commercial sides of their craft.

Want to connect with Fleur Hall? Find her on Substack at "Author Growth" or search for Fleur Hall.

What's your biggest book marketing challenge? Share in the comments below, and let's help each other succeed in this author journey.

Read and Write with Natasha is a reader-supported publication. If you enjoy my work and want to support it, consider becoming a paid subscriber. As a thank-you, you’ll get access to two of my self-led courses—valued at over $300, in addition to a copy of my novel They Called Me Wyatt

Get full access to Read and Write with Natasha at natashatynes.substack.com/subscribe

In a recent Substack Live session, I had the pleasure of chatting with Talyn Simmonds, a former college teacher turned full-time ghostwriter and content marketing expert. Taylin shared his journey into ghostwriting, strategies for client acquisition, and how to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

Below, I’ve distilled key takeaways from our conversation to help aspiring ghostwriters build a thriving career.

From Classroom to Content: Taylin’s Ghostwriting Journey

Taylin’s path to ghostwriting began with a desire for financial freedom. As a college teacher in Canada, he loved his job but struggled with the income. A chance coffee shop conversation led him to start writing daily on Twitter (now X), where he discovered ghostwriting through a mentor, Dakota Robertson.

After working for free to gain experience, Taylin landed his first client, charging premium rates right away by showcasing tangible results. Since 2022, he has run a content marketing agency, primarily ghostwriting for LinkedIn and X, with plans to expand to Instagram and newsletters.

Building a Moat in a Saturated Market

With more people entering the ghostwriting space and AI tools threatening to automate content creation, how does Taylin stay competitive?

He emphasizes two key strategies:

* Stay Ahead of the Curve: Ghostwriting is challenging, and platforms are constantly evolving. To succeed, you must adapt to what works now, not last year. Taylin’s agency stays cutting-edge by researching trends and creating content that resonates with today’s audiences.

* Focus on Revenue, Not Just Content: Instead of just building a client’s brand, Taylin’s agency acts as a “revenue partner,” delivering measurable ROI (e.g., 2-5x returns within months). This embeds them in clients’ businesses, creating a moat against competitors. For example, some clients rely on them so much that stopping services would hurt their bottom line.

Proven Strategies for Landing Clients

Taylin shared actionable tips for ghostwriters looking to attract clients:

* Build Proof First: Early on, Taylin worked for free with agencies to gather social proof (e.g., screenshots of impressions, follower growth, and leads). This proof allowed him to charge $3,200/month for his first client, bypassing the low-rate trap many beginners fall into.

* Leverage Referrals and Inbound Leads: Initially, Taylin avoided cold outreach, relying on referrals and inbound leads from viral content on X and LinkedIn. He wrote posts targeting founders, coaches, and consultants, using calls-to-action like, “If you’re a founder looking for these results, click here.” While inbound leads were plentiful in 2022-2023, market saturation now makes cold outreach necessary for consistency.

* Optimize LinkedIn as a “Wall of Testimonials”: For LinkedIn, Taylin recommends posting case studies (e.g., “This founder struggled with leads until we implemented X strategy, yielding Y results”) 2-3 times a week, alongside value-driven stories about your ethics or leadership. This turns your profile into a persuasive landing page, boosting responses to cold DMs.

Navigating Platforms: X, LinkedIn, and Substack

Taylin’s approach varies by platform:

* X: Write viral threads with a sophisticated tilt (e.g., summarizing a book like The Beginning of Infinity by David Deutsch) to attract high-caliber clients like founders. Case studies work better as thread add-ons than standalone posts.

* LinkedIn: Focus on case studies or broad, top-of-funnel content like productivity hacks. These build authority and trust, especially when paired with cold outreach.

* Substack: Taylin sees Substack as a “fun” creator platform, akin to “old Twitter.” While it’s great for newsletters and personal content, he’s skeptical about its potential for ghostwriting leads yet, as most Substack users prefer writing their own content. To grow on Substack, he spends 1-2 hours daily commenting and DMing to connect authentically, uses keywords like “ghostwriting” or “copywriting,” and drives subscribers from X and LinkedIn via lead magnets (e.g., journal prompts or a free AI ghostwriting course).

The Role of AI in Ghostwriting

Taylin isn’t worried about AI replacing ghostwriters—yet. While AI can generate decent posts, creating top-performing content requires detailed, 1,000- 2,000-word prompts, which demand deep platform knowledge and writing experience.

He challenges skeptics to outperform him using AI alone, noting that none have succeeded. His agency uses AI to streamline processes, but human creativity and strategy remain the core of their success.

Growing Your Substack Presence

Taylin’s Substack strategy is straightforward:

* Port Existing Subscribers: He moved 8,000+ subscribers from Beehiiv to Substack for social proof, using Zapier to automate adding new subscribers from lead magnets on X and LinkedIn.

* Engage Authentically: Daily commenting and DMing build community connections, driving organic growth.

* Cross-Promote: Most of his 20-50 daily Substack subscribers come from other platforms, not Substack itself.

Taylin’s Long-Term Vision

Taylin’s current focus is scaling his agency to offer omnichannel services (LinkedIn, X, Instagram, newsletters) and refining his ghostwriting coaching program. However, his five-year goal is to transition to writing fiction, a lifelong passion. By building “high-leverage businesses” that run efficiently with minimal hours, he aims to create space for creative pursuits without financial stress.

Key Resources and Recommendations

Taylin credits Alex Hormozi’s YouTube and books for tactical business growth advice and The Almanac of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgensen for philosophical insights on leveraged income. For podcasts, he prefers Modern Wisdom for self-improvement and big ideas over business-heavy content.

How to Connect with Taylin

Want to dive deeper into ghostwriting or hire Taylin’s agency?

Reach out to him on Substack Taylin John Simmonds.

Taylin’s journey shows that ghostwriting success comes from combining strategic content, tangible results, and relentless adaptation.

Whether you’re a new ghostwriter or a seasoned pro, his insights offer a roadmap to thrive in this dynamic field.

Ready to grow your own ghostwriting business?

Check out my course:👉 How To Make Income From Ghostwriting

Grab my free cheat sheet to get started:✅ Ghostwriting Cheat Sheet – Download the Free Guide

Let’s keep the conversation going.

Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments!

Read and Write with Natasha is a reader-supported publication. If you enjoy my work and want to support it, consider becoming a paid subscriber. As a thank-you, you’ll get access to two of my self-led courses—valued at over $300 in addition to a signed copy of my novel They Called Me Wyatt

Get full access to Read and Write with Natasha at natashatynes.substack.com/subscribe

In a recent episode of my podcast, Read and Write with Natasha, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Tash Doherty, a British-Irish-American writer and author based in Mexico City.

Tash is the creator of Miseducated, a Substack publication and podcast that dives into unlearning and the female experience, with a mission to help the world be "shamelessly sexy."

She’s also the author of These Perfectly Careless Things, a spicy young adult novel that she began writing at the age of 14 and self-published in September 2023. Our conversation was a whirlwind of insights about writing, self-publishing, and embracing creativity.

Here’s a glimpse into Tash’s journey and some gems she shared.

From Teen Dream to Published Author

Tash’s debut novel took 14 years to come to life, a journey she describes as “almost literally half of my life.”

She started writing These Perfectly Careless Things as a teenager, but life got in the way.

At 19, she attended business school, convinced she needed a “big girl job” and a resume filled with prestigious companies. She buried her writing dream for years, working in technology and feeling “disillusioned and depressed.”

A mix of psychedelics, spiritual exploration, and a realization that her life wasn’t working prompted her to quit her job, move to Mexico City, and finish her novel.

The transition from aspiring to actual author was daunting.

Tash admits it felt like “killing an older version of myself” to transform into the writer she is today.

Her advice?

“Don’t give up, no matter how long it takes. It can take absolutely forever,” she says, but persistence pays off.”

Self-Publishing: The Nitty-Gritty

Tash chose to self-publish after a year and a half of querying traditional publishers, facing challenges with her novel’s 2010 setting and spicy teen romance themes. She couldn’t bear the idea of waiting another two years in limbo, so she took matters into her own hands. For aspiring self-publishers, Tash shared her process:

* Manuscript Development: Use beta readers to refine your story. Tash did three rounds with her target audience, paying them for feedback to improve the manuscript. She also swears by the Save the Cat methodology, which helps structure plots and ensures characters are relatable from the start (like her protagonist saving a snail in the opening scene).

* Editing: Hire professionals. Tash worked with a developmental editor (though she later undid some changes) and a line editor from Reedsy.com to catch plot holes and inconsistencies. A proofreader is crucial for polishing the manuscript.

* Formatting: Tash used Vellum, a $400 software that formats manuscripts into professional eBooks, saving time compared to hiring a typesetter. She also used Canva for her book cover and MidJourney for AI-assisted design, though she’s transparent about this choice.

* ISBNs: Tash bought ISBNs through Bowker, noting their monopoly in the U.S. market. She recommends buying in bulk (10 for $200) for future projects, like her upcoming sex journal.

* Audiobook: Tash recorded her audiobook in a professional studio, editing it herself to catch typos. While time-intensive, it was a learning experience, though she advises against DIY editing unless you’re ready for hundreds of hours of work.

Tash’s biggest takeaway?

Decide how much you’re willing to invest upfront.

She spent thousands on editors to ensure a high-quality manuscript but cut costs with tools like Vellum and MidJourney.

“You learn so much about the publishing process,” she says, even if it means making “hard mistakes.”

Miseducated: Shamelessly Sexy

Beyond her novel, Tash’s passion lies in Miseducated, her Substack where she writes openly about her sex life, tying personal experiences to sex research. Her mission is to help people be “shamelessly sexy” by figuring out what they want, believing they deserve it, and asking for it.

This ethos drives her current project: a series of sex journals with 20-minute writing prompts over 20 days to help readers explore their sexuality. She’s collaborating with a designer in Mexico City to create a beautiful, Moleskine-style journal, aiming to launch by year’s end.

Tash’s Substack strategy focuses on free content to grow her audience, even though she feels guilty about neglecting her 26 paid subscribers. Collaborations, like with sex writer Abigail Melina Burns, and tapping into writing communities like Unmute, have boosted her subscribers.

Her most successful post, a spoof scientific article on dating Mexican men, ranks well on Google, driving inbound traffic. Her tip? Take friends’ questions seriously—they can inspire content that resonates widely.

Marketing and the Long Game

Tash admits book sales are tougher than expected. Amazon and Meta ads haven’t yielded great returns, and platforms like Goodreads and Bookworm offer limited boosts. Podcasts and Instagram, where she involves followers in decisions like book titles, have been more effective for brand awareness.

She sees marketing as a “compound effect,” building her audience over years. Her goal is to sell 1,000 copies of her book someday, but for now, she’s focused on creating and enjoying the process, as Rick Rubin advises.

Why Substack?

Tash is a Substack enthusiast, even investing in their community fundraising round. She loves the platform’s freedom to write authentically, especially about taboo topics like sexuality. While paid subscriptions are a challenge, Substack has strengthened her brand and connected her with readers and writers.

Her advice for Substack writers: interview your readers to understand their habits and create content that aligns with your mission.

Thanks to Tash for an inspiring conversation.

Stay tuned for more Read and Write with Natasha episodes.

Read and Write with Natasha is a reader-supported publication. If you enjoy my work and want to support it, consider becoming a paid subscriber. As a thank-you, you’ll get access to two of my self-led courses—valued at over $300 in addition to a signed copy of my novel They Called Me Wyatt

This post is based on an interview recorded on June 18, 2025, for Read and Write with Natasha. Subscribe for more writerly insights!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natashatynes.substack.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natashatynes.substack.com/subscribe

What Happens When You Serialize a Memoir on Substack?

In this powerful conversation, I talk with author and personal brand strategist Anna Vatuone, who took the bold leap of publishing her memoir Lonely Girl chapter-by-chapter on Substack. We dive into:

* Why she chose Substack over traditional publishing

* How she grew to 350+ paid subscribers

* The burnout, the breakthroughs, and the behind-the-scenes work it took

* Her top marketing strategies using TikTok, Instagram, and Substack Notes

And why AI tools are now part of her daily content workflow

Anna’s story is an inspiring blueprint for writers and solopreneurs considering alternative publishing paths.

Read and Write with Natasha is a reader-supported publication. If you enjoy my work and want to support it, consider becoming a paid subscriber. As a thank-you, you’ll get access to two of my self-led courses—valued at over $300 AND a FREE signed copy of my novel, They Called Me Wyatt..

Get full access to Read and Write with Natasha at natashatynes.substack.com/subscribe

I had a great time hearing best-selling author Eric Weiner remind us of something every writer forgets:

Simplicity isn't dumbing it down. It's proof you get it.

If you can’t say it clearly, you don’t understand it deeply.

Jargon is a mask.

Simplicity is the reveal.

Kill the coded language.

Say what you mean.

And mean it simply.

That’s how you earn attention—and keep it.

You can watch the full conversation above.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natashatynes.substack.com/subscribe

👉 Thank you to everyone who tuned into my live Substack video with Dubai-based editor and writer Katy Gillett.

It was my very first Substack Live session, and—true to first-time form—we ran into a few technical hiccups (overheated camera and internet glitches, to say the least!). Ah, well.

The live video ended up being split into two separate parts, but we pushed through and covered some incredible ground. I’m taking all the lessons from this experience and promise a smoother ride next time.

Here is the second part, and below are some highlights of the golden nuggets we covered on freelance writing with a special focus on the Middle East.

💼 Why Go Freelance?

Katy’s freelancing journey is anything but linear. She’s gone full-time, gone freelance, and come back again. But this time, she’s made it stick.

“I’ve always wanted to freelance. The pandemic changed things—remote work is more acceptable now. And with two kids, this lifestyle just works.”

💰 How to Make Freelancing Sustainable

Dubai isn’t exactly a budget-friendly city. So how does Katy support a family of four?

“You need at least two retainers. That’s the key to stability.”

Her strategy:

* Two long-term contracts to cover core expenses (rent, food, bills)

* Extra bandwidth for one-off freelance articles, travel features, and her Substack

🔍 Katy’s Income Streams

Katy’s freelancing setup is built for flexibility and resilience:

* Retainer with The National – Writing 10,000 words per month

* Freelance features – Mostly travel and lifestyle stories for global publications

* Editorial project management – With The Media Majlis, a museum at Northwestern Qatar

* Substack revenue – Through her newsletter Desert Prose

“I’m not a digital nomad. I’m the breadwinner with two kids—and I’ve made it work by diversifying.”

✨ Inside Desert Prose

Katy launched her Substack to fill a major regional gap: a platform for freelancers in the Middle East.

“There are loads of freelancer networks in the West. But out here? Not so much.”

What Desert Prose offers:

* Pitch callouts and freelance opportunities

* Editor insights and job leads

* Industry-specific resources

* A private, safe space behind a paywall

She currently has over 30 paid subscribers and 300+ free subscribers, just weeks after launch.

🧠 How She Grew Her Substack

No fancy funnels—just strategic sharing:

* Posted on LinkedIn and Instagram

* A colleague with a strong network gave it a boost

* Leaned into her existing relationships in the region

“One LinkedIn share from a friend brought in 60 subscribers.”

📍 Want to Freelance in the Middle East?

If you're an Arab-American writer with bilingual skills and regional insight, there’s real opportunity.

Katy’s advice:

* Target brands or organizations with international ambitions

* Use LinkedIn smartly for outreach (that’s how I found her!)

* If possible, visit the region to build relationships

* Consider Saudi Arabia—it’s a growing market with fewer freelancers

🛠️ Tools of the Trade: AI, Writing, and Workflow

Katy and I both use AI to supercharge our creative process. Her toolkit:

* Otter.ai – For fast and accurate transcriptions

* ChatGPT – For brainstorming, summarizing interviews, and light editing

* Grammarly – For proofreading (though she prefers to keep her own voice!)

* AI carousels – For creating Instagram visuals from her Substack posts

“I paste multiple interview transcripts into GPT and ask it to find quotes. It saves hours.”

I do the same—using tools like Claude or Grok to pull key takeaways and repurpose transcripts into Substack posts and social content.

💼 Should You Quit Your Job?

“Only if you have savings—or something lined up.”

Katy doesn’t sugarcoat it:

* Freelancing can work, but you need a plan.

* Pitching stories alone won’t pay the bills.

* You need retainers, multiple income streams, and a niche or specialty.

“You can ghostwrite, work with brands, build digital products, or coach—just don’t rely on commissions alone.”

🧵 Katy’s Top Tips for Freelance Writers

Here’s her roadmap for anyone dreaming of the freelance life:

* Start before you quit – Build a portfolio, get bylines, and gain traction.

* Lock in retainers – They’re your financial foundation.

* Build a personal brand – Not influencer-level, just visibility and trust.

* Learn AI tools – They can speed up your workflow without replacing your voice.

* Explore multiple income streams – Coaching, content writing, Substack, editing, and more.

* Subscribe to freelance networks – Like Desert Prose for the Gulf, or others for your region.

* Network digitally—and in person – Face-to-face still matters in the Gulf.

* Set financial goals – And reverse-engineer your strategy from there.

Read and Write with Natasha is a reader-supported publication. If you enjoy my work and want to support it, consider becoming a paid subscriber. As a thank-you, you’ll get access to two of my self-led courses—valued at over $300.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit natashatynes.substack.com/subscribe